Deep Sea Embers

Chapter 701: Departing the Harbor

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Goathead was engulfed in deep panic, the kind that completely rattles one’s being. Despite the captain’s comforting attempts, Goathead’s mind spun wildly as the shocking truth was disclosed.

Nearby, Alice was profoundly shaken by the captain’s announcement to the point that her head had literally detached from her body and stayed that way.

With eyes wide, Goathead blurted out, “Are you really telling me that everyone from the ancient Kingdom of Crete is a clone derived from me?” Its voice trembled with disbelief. “And this cloning was orchestrated by the Nether Lord?”

With a serious nod, Duncan confirmed, “Yes, and this discovery clarifies several historical mysteries surrounding the ancient Kingdom of Crete that have baffled scholars. For instance, their lack of cultural artifacts or records stems from them being a transient group, created solely to aid in the ‘World’s Creation.’ They had no culture of their own. Furthermore, the existence of artifacts connected to the Cretans on completely uninhabited islands is because the ancient Cretan cities were temporary, constructed as part of a grand scheme for the World’s Creation.”

Goathead’s expression showed a tumult of inner conflict. “That’s not my main concern…”

Duncan paused then responded calmly, “Suddenly finding out that an ancient tribe is essentially your descendants is indeed an overwhelming revelation. I was quite taken aback myself when I first discovered this…”

Alice, who had been silent until now, stammered, “But… but… but… Goat…”

“Please, reattach your head before you continue,” Duncan interjected with a resigned tone, giving her a sympathetic yet slightly frustrated look. “It’s really disturbing to see you speak while holding your head in your hands.”

After her head fell off in initial shock and had not been reattached since, Alice, sitting quietly beside Duncan and engrossed in the unfolding drama, swiftly put her head back on her neck. Now more composed, she said, “But Mr. Goathead, you’re essentially the supreme deity of the elves. All elves in the world might be seen as your descendants. Surely this revelation isn’t too difficult to grasp…”

“Easier said than done,” Goathead retorted, turning away to possibly conceal a surge of irritation. “I was deep asleep when they took a part of me for cloning! We’re not dealing with just any ancient tribe; this involves apocalyptic beings known as ‘Enders.’ I’ve always been uneasy about those so-called ‘Enders.’ When they boarded the ship, they knelt silently on the deck. Had I been able to, I would have felt goosebumps. Just thinking about it now makes me shiver! What a bizarre situation to awaken to…”

As Goathead vented vehemently, Duncan felt the need to soothe him. He sharply tapped on the table twice, the sound echoing in the room to grab the first mate’s attention and hopefully calm his nerves. Then, clearing his throat to cut through the tension, Duncan declared, “Ahem, you should know, the doomsday Enders were once mere ordinary Cretans.”

Goathead stopped his tirade, turning its neck with a creaking sound, a look of reluctant acceptance in its eyes. “I understand that now… and I see that not all of them have lost their reason… but…”

The word “but” lingered, fading into a sequence of mumbles and fragmented attempts at reasoning, ending in a deep, weary sigh. Goathead’s head drooped, signifying defeat and resignation.

Alice, observing Goathead with a mix of concern and curiosity, looked up at Duncan with an expression of helplessness. After a pause, she cautiously ventured, “Captain… the first mate doesn’t seem to be doing well.”

Duncan sighed softly, his breath a mix of understanding and concern. “It’s not about feeling happy or upset. It’s about coping with a shockingly unexpected revelation. What he needs now is some peace and time to process,” he said, standing up from his seat at the navigation desk, determined to give Goathead some space. “We should leave him be for now.”

Alice, recognizing the gravity of the situation, nodded silently. She rose from her chair and began to follow Duncan out of the captain’s quarters. However, as she passed the navigation table, she paused briefly before gently patting Goathead on the head. “Try to rest… you still have to teach me how to make those Southern dishes later,” she whispered softly.

Duncan, hearing this from a short distance, felt a twitch at the corner of his eye, a mixture of amusement and concern. He remained silent, however, merely shaking his head in a quiet chuckle as he continued walking towards the outer deck.

The sea breeze greeted them warmly as they stepped onto the deck, the ship gently swaying with the rhythm of the waves. The distant water sparkled under the sunlight, reminding them that, despite everything, it was still a beautiful day.

As Duncan and Alice emerged onto the deck, they spotted Vanna, who had been there for some time, leaning against the railing. Her silver-white hair fluttered in the wind, and she appeared deep in thought, gazing into the horizon.

Vanna turned as she heard them approach, her hair sweeping back with the movement, her face brightening with a smile. “Captain, Alice,” she greeted warmly.

Duncan joined her at the railing and remarked, “I thought you might be more inclined to discuss recent revelations with Helena, given their significance.”

“Such significant revelations,” Vanna replied with a thoughtful smile. “But I suspect Her Holiness the Pope is too occupied for lengthy discussions now. She’s likely in meetings with other leaders, deliberating over the origins of the ancient Kingdom of Crete, the future of our world, and what to do about those rogue ‘Doomsday Survey Teams.’ It’s enough to keep anyone awake at night.”

Duncan nodded, his gaze returning to the sea. “Speaking of significant events, have there been any updates from Vision 004?” he asked, his tone laden with concern.

“No,” Vanna shook her head. “Since you left, we’ve stationed a few personnel there to monitor the situation. They’ve reported no activity in the assembly hall at all. In the past, even when the tomb was inactive, there would still be occasional odd sounds or fleeting shadows. But now, it’s as if it has entered a deep sleep, just as you suggested, Duncan. Vision 004 seems to have completely isolated itself from our world.”

“…Just like the ‘sun’ that hangs above us, the ‘tomb’ has reached its final chapter. Its purpose has been served,” Duncan stated calmly. “The Tomb Guardian made it clear that from now on, even if messages from the tomb were to reach us, we are to ignore them. We must not attempt to enter or interact. If anything—or anyone—emerges from the tomb, even if it’s the Tomb Guardian himself, our only course of action is to leave immediately. Vision 004 as we know it is finished.”

“We’re fully aware,” Vanna acknowledged softly, yet with a hint of resignation. “The Pope has already informed all the saints. From now on, Vision 004 is strictly off-limits. Only a small group of monks will continue to guard the perimeter of the assembly hall. No one else is to go near the ‘Tomb of the Nameless King’…”

Her voice trailed off, and she was silent for a moment before letting out a deep sigh. “…Another chapter has closed.”

Indeed, another chapter had closed—but what exactly was she reflecting on? Was it the unusual event they had just witnessed? Or perhaps the centuries-long tradition of vigilant watch and anticipation that the Four Churches had maintained over the Tomb of the Nameless King? Or could it be… the end of an era, a final legacy left by the ancient architects of their world?

Whatever it was, it had definitively come to an end.

“Did the Tomb Guardian ever share any details with you about the ‘sun’?” Vanna asked after a moment of reflective silence. “Did he know how it was constructed, or if it’s possible to repair it, even temporarily?”

Duncan gently shook his head.

“He was just a sentinel, a soul trapped between life and death, left behind after the observation station’s systems shut down and its creators and engineers departed. He shared everything he knew with me, but as for the sun…”

He paused, his gaze drifting off toward the sea, where Vision 001-Sun moved slowly across the sky, its motion reminiscent of an elderly man, weary yet relentless in his journey.

“The sun was a colossal undertaking, a creation by the ‘King of Darkness’ and the entire Cretan civilization. Its complexities are beyond a mere guardian’s understanding.”

“…Of course,” Vanna murmured, a self-deprecating smile briefly crossing her face. “I was hoping for too much.”

“Yes, but your hope is not unfounded,” Duncan reassured her, his voice warm and resolute. “Because that’s exactly what I intend to address next. We’ll start by seeking out that ‘Designer’ from the Deep Sea Era, opening the doors to new insights and perhaps a new dawn.”

As Duncan’s words faded, a faint creaking noise echoed from the depths of the Vanished. At the same time, Vanna felt a subtle tremor under her feet. It was almost imperceptible, yet unmistakable. In response, the semi-transparent sails of this spectral vessel began to materialize upon its masts, shimmering slightly as if awakening from a deep slumber.

The Vanished had started to reorient itself with deliberate slowness. Its bow turned, gradually aligning with the vast, open sea ahead.

……

Meanwhile, at Wind Harbor, the Grand Storm Cathedral stood solemn and sacred, its spires reaching towards the heavens as it rested quietly near the coastline. Within its hallowed halls, a cleric, dressed in the ceremonial blue and black robes of his order, hurried through the corridors and archways. His pace quickened to almost a sprint as he approached the outer area of the Pope’s prayer chamber, urgency in every step: “Your Holiness! Your Holiness! The Vanished, it’s changed course! Just ten minutes ago, it suddenly veered away from Wind Harbor and picked up speed!”

“I am aware,” came the response from within the prayer room. Helena’s voice, magnetic and filled with an almost tangible calm, filled the air. “There’s no need for such alarm; this is merely the unfolding of time.”

With these words, the distinguished lady turned her head, her gaze returning to the ritual brazier that flickered before her. While partly engaged with the physical realm, her mind also traversed the psychic channels of communication she had established.

“…The Vanished has begun its journey. Vanna has just informed me… Yes, the ‘Tide’ and its escort fleet are en route; they will meet at the rally point as planned…

“Banster, what about your fleet, the one you call Dead and Alive?”

A grave voice echoed in Helena’s mind, correcting her with a somber tone: “They’re the ‘Resolved’ and the ‘Unresolved,’ Helena.”

“Alright, alright, nearly the same… Where are they now?”

“They, too, have set sail. Rest assured, Helena—we will all arrive at the rendezvous in due time.”